In a significant political development in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLAs have elected Champai Soren as the leader of the legislative party, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of the state. This move follows the resignation of Hemant Soren, who stepped down as Chief Minister amid questioning from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam. Hemant Soren is reported to be in ED custody during this process.
JMM MP Mahua Maji stated, “The CM is in ED custody. The CM has gone to the Governor with the ED team to submit his resignation… Champai Soren will be the new Chief Minister… We have enough numbers.”
The JMM MLAs convened a meeting and then visited the Raj Bhavan to inform Governor CP Radhakrishnan of their decision. JMM heads a coalition government in the state, including the Congress party.
JMM leader and state minister Banna Gupta shared, “We have chosen Champai Soren as the leader of the Legislative Party. We came to the Raj Bhawan to request the Governor for the oath ceremony.”
Earlier in the day, a team of ED officials arrived at Hemant Soren’s residence for questioning in the alleged land scam. Heavy police deployment and Section 144 were implemented around the Chief Minister’s residence, Raj Bhavan, and the ED office to manage any potential protests or rallies by JMM workers in response to the central probe agency’s actions.
On a previous occasion, ED officials had visited Soren’s residence in Delhi to question him, seizing two cars and Rs 36 lakh. However, they did not locate the JMM leader. Later, Soren communicated to the Enforcement Directorate, expressing his intent to record his statement at 1 pm at his residence in Ranchi.
(inputs from ANI)